Catechism of the Catholic Church

Life in Christ 475 The natural law is nothing other than the light of under­ standing placed in us by God; through it we know what we must do and what we must avoid. God has given this light or law at the creation. 8 1956 The natural law, present in the heart of each man and established by reason, is universal in its precepts and its authority extends to all men. It expresses the dignity of the person and determines the basis for his fundamental rights and duties: For there is a true law: right reason. It is in conformity with nature, is diffused among all men, and is immutable and eternal; its orders summon to duty; its prohibitions turn away from offense . . . . To replace it with a contrary law is a sacrilege; failure to apply even one of its provisions is for­ bidden; no one can abrogate it entirely. 9 1957 Application of the natural law varies greatly; it can de­ mand reflection that takes account of various conditions of life ac­ cording to places, times, and circumstances. Nevertheless, in the diversity of cultures, the natural law remains as a rule that binds men among themselves and imposes on them, beyond the inevita­ ble differences, common principles. 1958 The natural law is immutable and permanent throughout the variations of history; 10 it subsists under the flux of ideas and customs and supports their progress. The rules that express it remain substantially valid. Even when it is rejected in its very principles, it cannot be destroyed or removed from the heart of man. It always rises again in the life of individuals and societies: Theft is surely punished by your law, O Lord, and by the law that is written in the human heart, the law that iniquity itself does not efface. 11 1959 The natural law, the Creator’s very good work, provides the solid foundation on which man can build the structure of moral rules to guide his choices. It also provides the indispensable moral foundation for building the human community. Finally, it provides the necessary basis for the civil law with which it is connected, whether by a reflection that draws conclusions from its principles, or by additions of a positive and juridical nature. 8 St. Thomas Aquinas, Dec. præc. I. 9 Cicero, Rep. III, 22, 33. 10 Cf. GS 10. 11 St. Augustine, Conf. 2, 4, 9: PL 32, 678. 2261 2072 1879